Buying a new car in India is a big decision, right? You think about so many things: "Will it fit my budget?" "Is it safe for my family?" "What about monthly maintenance costs?" "Does it have all the latest features?" And of course, "How good is the company's service?" These are all valid questions that every smart car buyer asks. Well, today, we are going to dive deep into a car that is making quite a buzz in the Indian market, especially with its latest update: the new Honda Elevate VX Apex Edition. Let's find out if this compact SUV ticks all your boxes and stands out in a crowded segment.

Main Highlights

The Honda Elevate has already impressed many with its practical design and reliable Honda engineering. The VX Apex Edition takes it up a notch, adding a few exclusive touches to an already well-equipped package.

• Engine Specifications:

  Under the hood, the Elevate VX Apex Edition comes with Honda's well-proven 1.5-liter i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine. This engine is known for its refinement and smooth power delivery.

  • Maximum Power: 121 PS (at 6,600 rpm)
  • Maximum Torque: 145 Nm (at 4,300 rpm)

• Design Overview:

  • Exterior: The Elevate has a strong, upright, and muscular SUV stance. The Apex Edition adds some distinctive flair with a unique 'Apex' badge, and often special trim accents, making it stand out from the regular variants. It maintains the bold grille, sleek LED headlamps, and striking alloy wheels that define the Elevate's road presence.
  • Interior: Inside, the cabin feels spacious and premium. The VX Apex Edition might feature exclusive seat covers and illuminated door sills, adding a touch of luxury. The layout is clean and ergonomic, focusing on driver comfort and passenger space. Quality materials are used throughout, giving it a premium feel.

• Key Features:

  • 10.25-inch HD Infotainment Touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone connectivity
  • Single-pane Electric Sunroof
  • Wireless Smartphone Charger
  • Automatic Climate Control for comfortable cabin temperature
  • Multi-angle Rearview Camera for easy parking
  • Honda LaneWatch Camera (left side ORVM camera for better blind spot view)
  • Rear AC Vents
  • Push Start/Stop Button
  • Paddle Shifters (with CVT variants)
  • Exclusive to Apex Edition: Front and Rear Dash Camera, Special Apex themed Seat Covers, Illuminated Door Sills, Apex Badge.

• What is the Ground Clearance of Honda Elevate?

  The Honda Elevate boasts an impressive class-leading ground clearance of 220 mm. This means it can easily tackle rough Indian roads and speed breakers without scraping its underbelly.

• What is the Boot Space of Honda Elevate?

  With a generous boot space of 458 liters, the Elevate offers ample room for your luggage, making it perfect for family trips and weekend getaways.

• What are the Dimensions of Honda Elevate?

  • Length: 4312 mm
  • Width: 1790 mm
  • Height: 1650 mm

• Powertrain Options:

  The Honda Elevate VX Apex Edition comes with the 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol engine, and you get to choose between two transmission options:

  • 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) for those who love engaging driving.
  • Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth, hassle-free city driving and highway cruising.

• Safety Features:

  The Elevate is built with a strong ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure.

  • 6 Airbags (Dual Front, Side, and Curtain)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
  • Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
  • Hill Start Assist (HSA)
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Multi-angle Rearview Camera
  • Honda LaneWatch Camera
  • ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
  • Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)

• NCAP Rating Table:

  Rating Type	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
  Bharat NCAP Rating	5 Stars	5 Stars
  Global NCAP Rating	5 Stars	5 Stars

  Note: The Honda Elevate received a full 5-star safety rating in the rigorous Global NCAP crash tests for both adult and child occupants, making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment. This rating is also applicable for Bharat NCAP.

• Rivals of Honda Elevate VX Apex Edition:

  • Hyundai Creta
  • Kia Seltos
  • Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
  • Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
  • Skoda Kushaq
  • Volkswagen Taigun
  • MG Astor

"How is the Car?" (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Honda Elevate VX Apex Edition to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages (Pros):

• Proven Reliability: Honda's engine and overall build quality are known for long-term reliability and low maintenance.
• Impressive Safety: A 5-star Global NCAP rating offers peace of mind for you and your family.
• Spacious and Practical: Excellent cabin space for passengers and a large boot make it very practical for families.
• High Ground Clearance: Best-in-class 220 mm ground clearance handles Indian road conditions effortlessly.
• Refined Engine: The 1.5L i-VTEC engine is smooth, responsive, and fuel-efficient for its class.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps well.
• Exclusive Apex Features: The dashcam and special cosmetic touches add value and distinction.
• Strong Resale Value: Honda cars generally hold good resale value in the Indian market.

Disadvantages (Cons):

• No Diesel or Hybrid Option: Only a single petrol engine option might deter buyers looking for diesel fuel economy or hybrid efficiency.
• No Turbo Petrol Engine: Some rivals offer more powerful turbo-petrol engines, which might feel more exciting to drive.
• Missing Features: Lacks a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and 360-degree camera, which some competitors offer in top variants.
• Design Might Be Too Conventional: While muscular, some might find its design less flashy or futuristic compared to some rivals.
• CVT Can Feel Sluggish: While smooth, the CVT can sometimes feel a bit sluggish during quick overtakes compared to a DCT offered by rivals.

Conclusion

The Honda Elevate VX Apex Edition is a compelling package for anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and spacious compact SUV in India. It builds upon the already strong foundation of the Elevate with added exclusivity and practical features like the dashcam. While it might miss out on a few fancy features or alternative powertrain options that some rivals boast, it makes up for it with Honda's renowned engineering, a class-leading safety rating, impressive ground clearance, and excellent space. If your priorities are peace of mind, family comfort, segment-best practicality, and a car that will stand the test of time, the Elevate VX Apex Edition deserves a serious look. It’s a smart choice for the discerning Indian car buyer seeking a balanced and trustworthy SUV experience. Go ahead, book a test drive, and feel the Elevate difference yourself!